When a tear takes place in the outer ring allowing the soft tissue of a disc to bulge out, it is known as a herniated or slipped disc. Inflammation may result in the area as well as pain. Treatments for a herniated disc, tear, protrusion or bulge often consist of anti-inflammatory medication to alleviate pain and swelling.
Normally, a protruding disc can lead to herniated discs.
Prolapsed, slipped disc, ruptured disc, protruding or bulging disc, black disc, degenerative disc disease, disc degeneration, disc disease, pinched nerve, sciatia, bulging disc and disc protrusion are all terms used to described a herniated disc.
This condition can affect any disc but the lumbar and cervical discs are most commonly affected. Lumbar is more common of the two and results in pain in the lower back, leg pain, pain in the thighs, buttocks, foot or toes. Numb and tingle sensations are often felt throughout the legs and even into the feet. A slight burning sensation may also be felt in the hips and legs.
The thirties and forties is the time when most people are likely to suffer from herniated discs. The nucleus of the disc is still a soft substance that begins to dry during the out at later in life. When the nucleus dries out completely, the chances of this condition decrease significantly.
When this condition occurs in the neck, it is known as a cervical herniation. The signs are pain the arm, hand, shoulder, shoulder girdle, scapula, skull or back area of the neck.
Herniations in the thoracic discs rarely occur because of stability. However, the symptoms are like those from neck and back herniations.
Constant lifting and sitting, especially on the job, causes wear upon the discs. This type of wear increases the chances of injury to the disc. Most back injuries are the result of quick or rapid movements, using the wrong lifting techniques. A tired back or chronic pain in the back is just one sign of this wear. It also increases the chances for injuring the discs in this area. Understand that keeping the back straight results in an even distribution of pressure whereas a rounded back concentrates that pressure to key areas.
Ruling out conditions such as lesions that occupy space, metastases, tumors, degeneration and spondylolisthesis through certain testing may be necessary. Normally a diagnosis may be given based on a physical exam, signs and history.
Testing may include CAT scan, x-ray, MRI, EMG/NCS and myelogram.
Most of these conditions will heal by themselves within six weeks without surgery.
If pain persists, anti-inflammatory treatment may be prescribed. They should not be used for long term treatment. Steroid injections into the back can also be an option because of the short term pain relief. Physical therapy may also be recommended in combination with other treatments.
Doctors may also place you on bed rest, recommend massage or physical therapy, chiropractic treatment and weight management.
Surgery should be a last resort procedure.
